Bush Avoids Politics at His Peril

Updated Nov. 1, 2001 12:01 a.m. ET

By John H. Fund, a member of the Journal's editorial board.

The White House has decided the war against terrorism should minimize President Bush's role in partisan politics. So neither he nor Dick Cheney will campaign for GOP gubernatorial nominees Bret Schundler in New Jersey and Mark Earley in Virginia. Such political caution may prove short-sighted.

If the GOP loses Virginia next week, you can bet the media will note its...